Nutrition Assistant- Hayward

Position Summary

Join the Y, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Nutrition Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our early childhood centers by helping provide safe, high-quality meals to children every day. You will help ensure that all meals and snacks meet Head Start standards and California regulations, while creating a positive, welcoming environment for children and families. You will support food service operations through activities such as preparing and delivering meals, assisting with mealtime in the classroom, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.

About the Role

Prepare food based on what is indicated on the daily menu utilizing health and sanitation procedures including washing hands, using gloves, and sanitizing food preparation areas properly.
Deliver food for each classroom in correct proportions and from central kitchen to site(s).
Provide food, dishes, utensils, and other supplies to each classroom in time for meal service.
Clean and sanitize dishes and utensils after every use.
Create warm and welcoming relationships with children and families.
Review transportation sheets and other required paperwork, to be sure that they match what is indicated on the daily menu. Log changes when necessary.
Communicate efficiently and in a timely manner with managers if/when issues arise.
Fill out Meal Incident Reports to communicate issues related to food quality and quantity.
Reheat food safely, if/when it falls out of proper temperature.
Ensure accurate documentation of refrigerator and freezer temperature logs twice daily.
Clean and sanitize thermometers before and after every use.
Clean and maintain refrigerator and kitchen areas, recycling as appropriate.
Attend staff meetings and required professional development opportunities.
Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Head Cook and indirect supervision of the Assistant Cook.
Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting general classroom supervision needs, as appropriate, and per availability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food based on what is indicated on the daily menu utilizing health and sanitation procedures including washing hands, using gloves, and sanitizing food preparation areas properly.
• Deliver food for each classroom in correct proportions and from central kitchen to site(s).
• Provide food, dishes, utensils, and other supplies to each classroom in time for meal service.
• Clean and sanitize dishes and utensils after every use.
• Create warm and welcoming relationships with children and families.
• Review transportation sheets and other required paperwork, to be sure that they match what is indicated on the daily menu. Log changes when necessary.
• Communicate efficiently and in a timely manner with managers if/when issues arise.
• Fill out Meal Incident Reports to communicate issues related to food quality and quantity.
• Reheat food safely, if/when it falls out of proper temperature.
• Ensure accurate documentation of refrigerator and freezer temperature logs twice daily.
• Clean and sanitize thermometers before and after every use.
• Clean and maintain refrigerator and kitchen areas, recycling as appropriate.
• Attend staff meetings and required professional development opportunities.
• Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Head Cook and indirect supervision of the Assistant Cook.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting general classroom supervision needs, as appropriate, and per availability.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or equivalent, ECE units/Child Development Permit preferred
• Upon hire, unless already achieved, must enroll in at least 3 units of Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university per semester, until 12 units are successfully completed with a grade of C or better
• One year of Early Childhood classroom experience preferred, but not required, volunteer or paid experience will be considered
• Cooking/food preparation experience preferred
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively in a high stress environment
• Physical examination and TB clearance
• Proof of immunization for Measles and Pertussis, Flu vaccination recommended but not required
• LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance
• Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multilingual preferred
• Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance
• Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training or completion of this training within 90 days of hire
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays, including New Year’s Day.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family.